WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden administration has called on Congress to pass rent-control legislation that would affect more than 20 million rental homes across the country. Under the proposed rule, landlords with more than 50 units in their portfolios would forfeit federal tax breaks if they raise rents annually more than 5 percent on their existing units. If passed, this rule would be in force beginning this year and would last through 2026. The plan would include an exception for new construction and for units currently undergoing substantial renovation or rehabilitation. Failing to hit the 5 percent cap, owners would lose out on what’s known as “faster deprecation” write-offs. According to Investopedia, property owners can deduct market value loss and the costs of buying and improving a property from their taxes. Most multifamily industry leaders are against rent control for several reasons but chiefly because they say such measures reduce the incentive to build more housing or to renovate and improve existing properties. Ahead of the White House’s announcement, which was released this morning, numerous public policy groups spoke out against the proposal. “This legislative proposal will not create a single new unit while raising costs on the very residents …
